When I came out to my very conservative gran (I was already out to everyone else) I told her I was a lesbian and my girlfriend was going to be at an event we were going to the next day. She isn’t homophobic but has this idea of me marrying a rich man and having children, so boy was she shocked. She then proceeded to tell me I would grow out of it, blah blah blah. I don’t really care about her reaction; she wants me to be happy and I am. She will adapt. (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #1813
When I came out I was very nervous. I was 14 years old and in school at that time. At the time I had four friends whom I knew from elementary school. When I dared to come out, three of them made vulgar comments and went to the other end of the school. I started to cry. Only one of my friends was standing next to me. I said she could walk away like the others, but she supports me, so I cried even more. (F/17/Biromantic)
Story #1812
When I came out to someone in person for the first time I was in the car with two of my close friends. I had just developed a crush on a girl for the first time and even though I knew I had no chance I wanted to go to this music event that I knew she was going to attend and I asked my friends to come along. It felt like I was lying to them so I said, “I don’t want to go there only for the music, I have a crush” — here my friend said, “I knew it! Who is he?” — “and the reason I haven’t told you is because it’s a girl.” They were surprised but very supportive and the positive reaction was an important step in me accepting myself as bisexual. (F/21/Bi)
Story #1811
When I came out to my friends, they were really supportive, for the most part. (One of them even ultimately became my girlfriend! :)) But one friend said that homosexuality was against her religion, and she didn’t want to associate with me anymore. I didn’t care, but then she threatened to tell my parents. I had already told my dad, who was supportive, but my mom is extremely homophobic; so I still have to come out to my mom… (F/13/Lesbian)
Story #1810
When I came out I wanted to show my best friend (who I had fallen in love with) that it was okay and nobody would care. Everyone always knew so it was no surprise to them. Unfortunately, he still couldn’t accept who he was and now he still lives in denial. Me on the other hand, I’m happy as ever and I’m finding out who I am more everyday. Be who you want to be 🙂 (M/23/Gay)
Story #1809
When I came out to my family last year, they were very supportive. Now it’s a completely different story. My mom acts like she doesn’t know and then makes comments about how I shouldn’t date girls and just preserve a friendship instead. I really hope she can learn to fully accept me soon. (F/15/Bi)
Story #1808
When I came out I was 11. I told the whole family at once and most of them didn’t accept me. My dad acted aggressive for a few days before assuming it’s just a phase and I’ll get over it someday. I also told most of my friends, and they all accepted me. (M/16/Gay)
Story #1807
When I came out, it was unplanned. I started by telling a couple of my friends, then I just started randomly bringing it up in conversation with my less close friends. Then one night, my parents were pestering me about having so many male friends, and I was tired of it, so I just said I was gay. After that, I just started being totally open about it, even though I hadn’t told everyone. Whatever, if they know, they know, right? (F/16/Lesbian)
Story #1806
When I came out to my closet friends and eventually my parents, I could literally feel the earth beneath me shaking. I am from India, a modern yet conservative and traditional society with lots of religious skepticism of burning in hell, societies eyeball rolling, and parents’ fear of my choices bringing shame to the family no matter how educated and knowledgable they are. So it has been half a decade now of me going through this phase of doubts, shame, fear, non-acceptance, anxiety, and then finally courage, grit, and love. Long story short, with amazing friends who were as ignorant as me when we started this journey, but nevertheless loved me and accepted me for who I am, parents who had it very hard initially but later chose to love their daughter beyond fear, and the love of my life who is the pillar and support day in-day out, here I am. After a tough yet educational journey for me and other people in my life, love won and I proudly love myself for who I am and am grateful for the beautiful and blessed partner in this lifetime. Life is a journey of discovering our own truths and no matter how scared we are to confront the truth, as it is very hard in the beginning, we are all God’s children and it is a true homage to the Creator to live by it. (F/28/Lesbian)
Story #1805
When I came out to one of my friends, he came out to me. It was a huge relief to have someone to talk to openly. The night I came out to him I could not stop shaking and thinking about coming out to my parents. I drafted an email, which I sent the next morning while I was out of the house. They were really accepting in front of me, though my dad privately sought therapy to process the new information. (F/Gay)